It's official: Gardner Yankees' Centerfielder
3/30/2009 4:00:00 AM | Baseball
By Kat O'Brien of New York Newsday
TAMPA, Fla. - The Yankees announced yesterday what had long seemed likely: that Brett Gardner will be their starting centerfielder.
Gardner got a jump-start on Melky Cabrera by hitting two home runs in the first week of spring training. Although Cabrera went on to play quite well, Gardner remained outstanding.
"We're going to start with Gardy in center," manager Joe Girardi said. "Both of them played great ... Right now, we think Gardy has a little bit of an edge. It's not going to be day-by-day. Gardy's our centerfielder."
Gardner already had left for the day when Girardi announced the decision after yesterday's game. Girardi said he told Gardner and Cabrera of his decision before the game. Cabrera also will make the team, and Girardi said he could wind up playing an important role.
"Melky had a tough year last year," Girardi said, "but he came into camp and played great."
Gardner is batting .385 with seven extra-base hits, six RBIs, 10 runs and five steals. Cabrera is hitting .340 with five extra-base hits, nine RBIs, 10 runs and two steals. Gardner's speed is the biggest difference between them.
Cabrera had been the Yankees' primary centerfielder since 2006, but his struggles last year led to an opportunity for Gardner. In Gardner's first big-league stint, he struggled, hitting only .167 in 36 at-bats. When he returned to the majors in August, he fared better, batting .253. Gardner said he realized he needed to be more aggressive.
Gardner, 25, is expected to get the vast majority of the playing time. "Speed adds an interesting dimension to a club," Girardi said. "Speed is a good thing because you're not always going to slug."
Cabrera, 24, was understandably disappointed not to win the job but said: "I'm always prepared whenever they need me, whether it's to hit, play defense or run. It's their decision. I want to be ready whenever they need me."
